HELENA — Helena Elementary students will soon learn more from computers in their classrooms thanks to a $25,000 technology grant presented to the school on Nov. 1 by State Rep. Cam Ward, R- Alabaster.

Ward said he helped secure the grant by working closely with the office of Governor Bob Riley and Helena Elementary’s principal Mary Cooper.

The grant was approved in October at the request of Ward by the Alabama Public School and College Authority.

Ward said the grant will help supplement technology costs since many schools’ technology budgets have been drastically cut over the last two years.

“Helena is one of the fastest growing communities in the state and we cannot expect to offer a first class education without 21^st Century technology,” he said.

Cooper said the school will use the grant to purchase 27 computers and three smart boards for classrooms. The new computers will replace older versions that could no longer support the technology of newer software and programs, she said.

“Mrs. Cooper has been a friend for a long time and she does a great job in keeping me posted on the needs of the school,” Ward said. “With state budgets being so difficult I think this grant could not have come at a better time.

“The parents and faculty at Helena Elementary do a great job with the resources they have available but they deserve more,” he added. “I appreciate the opportunity to partner with them in making these improvements for their students.”

Cooper said the new technology will improve learning in the classrooms at Helena.

“I am thrilled for all our boys and girls and teachers,” she said. “Cam has always been a great friend to Helena and I appreciate the fact that he is always watching out for the needs of our school.”